Casing machine



C. H. WILD cAsING MACHINE Feb. 1, 1938.

13 sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 14, 1956 INVENTOR.

c. H. WILD CASING MACHINE Feb. l, 1938.

Filed Jan. 14, 1936 y m f m n m m V 5 x N 1, @.A v w, S 57 9/o |lJ/5 `3L e Y @d .L B lll -Irl/I .Il 2 t a l m ,V n o o a 5 ISI M M .5 rw M /Z 4J. ma O F l a m m w y w ow. H n

Feb. l, 1938. c; WILD 2,107,170

cAsING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1.936 l5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENT OR.

Mdia/vw MVM ATTORNEY.

lFeb. l, 19.38. Q H, WILD y V2,197,170 rcAsING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14,1936 l5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Pos/no INVENTOR.

Y wle/Maw ATTORNEY.

C. H. WILD qAsING VrJIAcHINE:

Feb. 1, 193s,

' l5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 14, 1956 Feb. 1, 1938'. c. H.' WILD2,107,170

CASING MACHINE Fied Jan. 14, 193e y'15 sheets-.sheet 6 f6 INVENTOR.

Q46/ ATTORNEY.

Feb. 1, 193s.

C. H. WILD CAS ING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1936 15 sheetssheet 7ATTORNEY. i

v Feliu. l, 1.9381 c. H wlLD F/G. 37 F/6. Z0 n 37 l INVENTOR.

y @am ATTORNEY.

Feb. 1, y1938.. C, H WILD 2,107,170

CAS ING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1956 `l5 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR.

mda@ #maag am@ a ATTORNEY.

F/G. Z2

C.'H. WILD cAs ING MACHINE Fbb,1,l938.

Fi1ed.Jan. 14, 19e\ 15 sheetssheet 1o INVENTOR.

Feb. l, 1938. C, H W|| D 2,107,170 cAsING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1936 13Sheets-Sheet ll ATTORNEY- Feb. l, 1938.

c. H. WILD 2,107,170,

YCASINGl MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1936. 13 Sheets-Sheet l2 IN VENTOR.

Feb, 1, 1938. H- wlw 2,107,170

CASING MACHINE Filed Jan. 14, 1936 l5 Sheets-,Sheet 13 INVENTOR.

www@ #zum f7@ 4a l 526 Z@ ATTORNEY.

Patented Feb. 1, 1938 UNITED STATES lema ATENT OFFIQE CASING MACHINEApplication January 14, 1936, Serial No. 59,026

20 Claims.

I am aware that there are many types of casing machines for varioususes. There are many types of hand-operated and power-actuated machinesfor casing goods of various kinds.

The object of this invention is the production of a casing machinehaving many improved features over existing machines for similarpurposes.

A further object of my invention is the production of a casing machineof the hydraulic type having centralized timing and control elements.

A further object of my invention is an improved casing machine adaptedto case single rows of cans in a container, or any number of rowsdesired within the range of the machine constructed.

A further object of my invention is an improved casing machine adaptedto case single rows of cans in a container, or any number of rowsdesired within the range of the machine constructed, and selective meansfor adjusting the machine for casing cans in the desired numloer of rowsin a container, as may be predetermined.

A further object of my invention is the construction of a casing machineoperated by a central control mechanism operating by means of anon-compressible fluid whereby a definite and predetermined action maybe obtained.

A further object of my invention is an improved casing machine providedwith automatic controls for non-compressible fluid operated mechanism.

A further object of my invention is an improved means in a casingmachine for maintaining the carton to be filled in position in themachine and the control of the machine thereafter during the filling anddischarge of said carton from said machine.

At this point, I would like to call attention to the fact thathydraulically controlled casing machines are new in the art, and that afurther object of my invention is the arrangement of timedhydraulically-operated mechanism for casing goods, either in single orplural rows.

A further object of my invention is the providing in a casing machine animproved means for holding the case in position while being illed, andfor operating said means; whereby the speed of upward movement of saidcase-holder after the case has been placed in position thereon may beregulated and after the case is filled its speed of removal may beadjusted and controlled.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, my invention consists ofthe methods employed,

combination and arrangement of apparatus and means as hereinafterspecifically set forth and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,wherein is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention; but it isunderstood that changes, variations and modications may be resorted towhich come within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings of the herein-described embodiment of my invention,Figure 1 represents a diagrammatic view in elevation of a casing maf: v

trol features being omitted; Fig. 2 is a view taken n through 2 2 ofFig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, and particularly showsthe location of four sets of piles of cans in the can-holding rack andmeans for controlling the cans entering the same. I might state herethat the machine described in Figs. 1 and 2, shows four stacks of rowsof cans, and without departing from my invention the number of fourstacks may be decreased or increased by the simple addition orsubtraction of the control elements andthe extension of the partsinvolved, without in any way deviating from the spirit of the invention,`or

the claims hereunto appended. y

As I claim the operation of a casing machine of the type hereindescribed by the adaptation of a shown in Fig. 1, and a modicationadapted for,

casing two stacks of rows of cans, likewise without the selectivemultiple control. Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of a machine for casingsingle stacks of rows of cans, and is a modication of the machine shownin Fig. 1, leaving olf the mechanism required for stacking plural rows;Fig. 4 is a view in elevation taken on the line 4-4 of Fig'. 3,1001;-ing in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 5 is a View in elevation of myinvention as applied to two stacks of rows of cans in a casing machine,being, i

a View somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a sectionalView taken through 6 6 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of thearrows,A and particularly shows the location of the two sets of piles ofcans in the can-holding rack in the cas-.1 ing machine, and' means forcontrolling vthe shelves of said rack.

In order to understand the working of themachine for two stacks of rowsof cans, I have shown diagrammatically the various positions of the cansin the casing machine in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, Fig. 7 showing thecan-holding rack in position to receive the rst stack of rows of cansfrom the chutes, Fig-8 being a second position of the machine showingthe'rack pulled back with its contained stack of rows of cans., and inposition for the second stack of rows of cans with relation to thechute, the carton being also shown in position to receive the load; Fig.9 shows the load ejected Vinto the carton, this latter viewv showing indotted lines the position of the cajsej after having been lled andautomatically righted and brought into position for removal.

Y Where a single stack oi rows orcansis being cased in the modified formshown in Figs. 3 and 4, for simplicity a mechanically. operated cancheck is found to be more desirable thany the hydraulically operatedcheck, the details of which are shown in enlarged views in Figs. l and11,

the mechanically operated member 56 being attached to the hydraulicallyoperated can-ejector.

In the plural stacks of rows of cans assembly, it has been founddesirable to check the flow Yof cans into the rack after the stacks havebeen formed by means shown in Fig.,12; this is operated hydraulically,as hereinafter described.

Referring to Fig. 1, wherein the chutes, the control for the same andthe runways are shown, Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional View of thechute control for distributing the cans in the chute, Fig. 14 being aside view in elevation of the same;

. Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the hydraulic operating mechanism forthe ejecting Vappliance and the operation ofthe can-holding rack whenused inthe machine casing a pluralityof stacks ofrrows of cans; thesame'hydraulic mechanism Vis also used in the single stack of rows ofcans; Fig. 1,6 is the hydraulic apparatus shown in Fig. 15 as applied toasingle stack of rows machine; Fig.` 17 is a side view in elevation ofthe mechanism operating the case or carton-holding arm; Fig.m18 is aViewY in elevation of the machine adapted for a single'stack of rows ofcans, and is taken at right angle to the View shown in Fig.

V3, along the line l8r-i8 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of thearrows; Fig,V 19 being a plan View of the machine shown in Fig. 18; Fig.20 is a Yview of the selective control mechanismior regulating themachine as to the number of stacks of rowsof cans to be o-perated upon,sho-wing one type of control mechanism, Fig. 21 being a view of anothertype of control mechanism for the nism for the can check; Fig. 25 showsthe cam that operates and controls the mechanism for the retrievingmovement oi the ejector; Fig. 26

,shows the cam that operates and controls the mechanism for the ejectingmovement of the ejector;` Fig. 27 shows the cam that operates and lcontrolsl the mechanism for the movement of the case-holding arm. Thesecams, as shown, are drawn'for two-stack rows of cans in a casingmachine, shown particularly in Figs. and 6.

. Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of the operating cylinder in which worksthe piston operating the can check, the cam. shown in Fig. 24 controlsthe movement of the piston.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of the cylinder in which works the pistonoperating the ejecting mechanism.

Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of the cylinder in which works the pistonoperating the case-holding arm.

I have shown in large detail the various appliances found desirable inthe operation oi the casing machine for stacking one row of cans asprimarily shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and 18 and 19, Fig. 31 being a View inelevation of the starting valve showing the relative position of thehandstarting lever, Fig. 32 being a sectional view in elevation takenalong the line 32-32, of Fig. 3l

. looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 33

is an end view in elevation of the appliance shown Yin Fig. 32; Fig. 34is a sectional View of the valve shown vin Fig. 32, the Valve being instarting position; Fig. 35 is a view similar to that shown inFig. 34,the valve being in the retrieved or `recovered position, and Fig. 36 isa view similar to that shown in Figs. 34 and 35, the valvebeing shown inneutral position; the operation of which various valves will bedescribed later.

Fig. 37 shows a sectional view of the selective control mechanism shownin Fig. 20, taken along the line 31-31 of said figure, looking in thedirection ofA the arrows; Fig. 38 is an enlarged sectional viewrtakenalong the line V38---38 of Fig. 37, looking in the direction of thearrows; Fig. 39 is'an end view in elevation of the mechanismxshown' inFig. 21, taken along the line 39-39 of Fig. 21, looking in the directionof the arrows. Fig. 40 shows a modified type of piston valve which Ihave found desirable for use on the valve stems not limited as toVrotation.

In the operation Yof casing machines it is-very desirable to have ameans for preventing the operation of the machine when loaded with cans,excepting when there is a carton properly positioned toreceive the load;in otherwords, to prevent 1an inadvertent starting of the machine anddumping the load unconfined. This is accomplished bythe mechanismillustrated in Figs'. l.

inafter explained. y

This mechanism is not shown in the Fig. 41 is a plan View of the devicepositioned relatively as shown to the carton to be operated upon, theycarton ap controlling the mechanism whereby the carton must beintroduced into the machine and the carton flap positioned before it ispossible tostart the machine; Fig. 42 is a view in elevation of themachine shown in-Fig. 41; Fig. 43 shows an enlarged sectional view takenalong the line i3-43 of Fig. 41, looking in the direction of the arrows;.Fig. 44 is a sectional view taken along the line 44-5 of Fig. 41,looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 45 is an enlarged sectionalView taken along the line 45--45 of Fig. 43, looking in the direction ofthe arrows.

In a machine involving a plural stack of rows of cans, such as atwo-stack row of cans, it is desirable to provide means for preventing aconflict of cans in one stack with those in another stack while beingloaded into the rack; this I accomplish by providing a tilting floorunder one of said stacks, as shown the rst stack formed. Where more thantwo stacks oi rows of cans are being formed, I have discovered thatmoving the rack slightly in excess is suicient to prevent conin Figs. 5,6, '1, 8, 9, 15, 16 and 46, 36 is a doubleacting hydraulic cylinder inwhich operates piston 31 attached to piston-rod 38, which rod isoperatively connected to the ejector.

Eiector The ejector comprises head members 39 (see Figs. 2, 6 and 19)which are spread at their base to form a support, and at each end of thesup-V port are provided with shafts 49 upon which are rollers 4I. 42 isa channel-iron track in the bosom of which rollers 4l operate. Headmembers 39 are provided with upright portions 43 to which are securedangle irons 44 (see Fig. 4), which angle irons carry the rams 45, saidrams being connected by connecting-ram 46 (see Fig. 46). Head members 39are connected by suitable braces 41, to which braces piston-rod 33 isoperatively attached.

In the description of the machine for two stacks of rows of cans,connecting-ram 46 (see Fig. 46) hooks over shaftv 26 on the retrievingmovement and pulls the rack away from the funnel as may be desired,according to the controls described later. In the plural machineinvolving more than two stacks of rows of cans, this same member 4Ghooks over the end of the shelves 2l of the rack, the same beingprovided with a reenforcement member 48 along said edge for said member45 to hook over (see Fig. 2).

Single stack machine In the application of my invention to a singlestack machine, wherein I employ my hydraulic operating mechanism, I amable to dispense with many of the appliances required in a pluralstacking machine.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4, 18 and 19, an immovable rack 49 isprovided, comprising what we might call a continuation of the chutes forforming the rows in a plural stacking machine provided with a can-stopmechanically operated, and which consists of a similar construction asheretofore described so far as the chute is concerned, but instead ofbeing operated by an individual hydraulically operated piston,

vthe operation is performed by the movement of the ejectormechanism,gwhich is hydraulically operated. 50 is a cam secured tohead-member 39 and shown in Fig. 3, and in enlarged Views in Figs. 10and 11. Cam member 55, by means of the roller 5l, operates lever 52,which lever is secured to shaft 53 operating in a bearing secured to theframe of the machine. On shaft 53 is lever 55, which lever operates thecan-stop. 53 is the iloor of the can stop, and is somewhat similar tocan-stop I6.

Plural stacks of rows of cansmore than two In Figs. 1, 2, 5,6, 7, 8, 9,12, 24 and 28, the chute and delivery of the cans, together with the canstop, i s operated similarly to the operation heretofore described forthe machine forming two stacks of rows of cans.

The shelves of the rack, where more than two stacks of rows of cans isinvolved, are made continuous and are not provided with openings forplatform 24, the same being dispensed with; and to insure thenon-interference of entering cans in the various stacks, a Wider rangeof movement of the rack is provided, which will be described later. Therack, its mountings, construction and assembly are substantially thesame as heretofore described, except where attention was called tovariations required for double and plural stacking; and similar numeralsare provided in these iigures for similar parts irrespective of two ormore stacks of rows of cans. The difference has heretofore been pointedout concerning the stops for pulling the rack, and other details;description of the timing will be given later.

Case or carton-holding arm Referring to Figs. 3, '1, 8, 9y and 17, 56 isthe arm to which is secured angle-iron 51 and member 58; these lattertwomembers, 51 and 58, form the support for the bottom of the containerand carry the same when discharged from the funnel. Arm 55 is fulcrumedon shaft 59, which shaft is journalled in mountings attached to theframe of the machine in proper position for arm 55 to operate forholding the containers in proper position with reference to the machine.On shaft 59 is secured quadrant-gear 60 operated by rack 6l, which rackis operated by pistonrod 52 operated by a piston in hydraulic cylinder63. This is a single-acting cylinder and piston, operating to lift thearm into holding positionr for holding the carton onto the funnel forloading purposes. The release from this cylinder controls the speed ofdescent or the assuming of normal position, and the speed at which thesame can `be manipulated depends upon the character of the load in thecarton. The needle valve controlling this motion will be describedlater.

Safety device It has been found desirable to attach a safetydevice tothe casing machines to prevent premature discharge of stacks of rows ofcans prior to the proper placement of a container for the same. Asshowing a means for overcoming this, I would refer particularly to Figs.41-45. 64 is the container, and 55 the flap thereof. Near the rear endof the funnel 35 is flap-guide 66 for opening the ilap to apredetermined position. This flap guide 55 has an opening 61 throughwhich trigger member 59 may pass when there is no carton ap tointervene.

55 is the starting handle operating the bellcrank 15. 1i and 53 form atoggle-link or lever, toggle-member 'ii being pivoted to bell-crank 19at one end and to link 12 at the other end. Trigger-member 38 isconnected by a bearing with toggle member 1i and link 12, spring 13tending to keep trigger-member 58 and togglemember 1l in extendedposition against the limiting stops 14.

15 is the valve stem controlling the starting valve for the machine. 15is the operating lever, at one end of which operates valve stern 15 andthe other end of which is operated by link 12. 11 is a spring tending tokeep lever 12 in such a position that operating lever 'E5 is free fromvalve stem 15, that is, in open position. On the contact end of trigger58 is a curved contact member 19 to prevent scarringthe carton ap; 55 isan additional ap guide to insure the flap lying iiat against guide 56.The mechanism above described is mounted in any convenient way adjacentthe flap receiving members described, so that the trigger-member 63 incontacting with the interposed iiap will cause link 12 to operate levers'E5 to operate valve stem 15, thereby starting the machine. In the eventthat, no flap is inposition, link i2 will idle, triggermember 68 goingthrough the hole in the guide.

The apparatus described in Figs. 41-45 is for the apparatus used on amachine for stack-75l tact, thus avoiding the mechanism shown in Fig.46. In the can stop illustrated in Fig. 3 for the single stack of rowsof cans machine, I have shown an enlarged view for the same in Fig. 47.

The invention involving the hydraulically operated mechanism describedis new in casing machines, and I claim the various appliances foroperating and controlling the hydraulic movements of the same. With thatin view, instead of the mechanism shown above, I may use solenoidalvalves, and by means of the electric current Aoperating over selectiveswitches I am enabled to control the various valves to operate mymachine. Fig. 48 shows a shaft provided with selective switches andcontacts for operating the various valves, as a type of the abovesuggestion, but I do not wish to limit myself to a rotary contactcontrol; and this shaft may be shifted endwise or otherwise displaced toaccommodate the timing required for machines stacking various stacks ofrows of cans, as a selective means for changing the machine as to thenumber of stacks of rows of cans to be operated upon. Fig. 49 is anenlarged view of a rotating snap electric switch whereby a movement inone direction closes the switch, and another movement in the samedirection opens the switch, and so on.

Similar numerals refer to similar throughout the several views.

I are the legs which support rails 2 on each side of the machine. 3 areside plates between which are the chute and can distributing mechanism.4 is the initial can chute receiving the cans from the supply. 5 and 6are chutes receiving cans from the initial can chute, distributed bydistributor or vane-divider 'I'. Chute 5, by means of vane-divider 8,distributes into chutes 9 and It; Distributor or vane-divider IIdistributes the cans from chute 6 into chutes |2 and I3; whereby thecans entering initial chute 4 are distributed into delivery chutes 9,l0, I2 and I3 for a 4-row stack. More rows may be provided as desired bymeans of additional chutes and means for distribution. I do not wish tolimit myself to any number of chutes or means of distribution.

The chutes are ordinarily made by means of two-facing angle ironsbetween which the cans roll; in the drawings these angle irons aredesignated as I4, one on each side.

I5 is a side support to which the angle irons I4 are secured, and towhich the can-stop I6 is fulcrumed, (see Fig. 19) can-stop I6 beingformed to fulcrum on each side of side support I5 and having a centralportion or oor which parts Vmay intercept the cans rolling over the same'when said stop is elevated, and a top member under which the cans roll7preventing the cans from jumping out, or rolling on top of each other.

Ccm stops Can stops I6 are provided at the delivery end of each of thechutes leading into the casing machine to stop the rows of cans when therow in.

the machine is filled, and to hold the cans during the process ofejectment and other timedmovements of the machine (see Fig. 5).

These can stops in front of each chute are simultaneously operated bymeans of connecting link I1. I8 is the hydraulic cylinder operatingplunger I9 for raising the can-stops, said plunger as shown simplybearing against the underside oi the lower can stop by means ofmechanism (see Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 12), depending upon gravity oradditional spring pressure to replace the can-stop upon the retrievingof said plunger.

Rack

Particularly referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 46I 20 is a side rackplate to which are secured shelves 2| in any suitable manner, such as byfianging or angle irons, the other 'side of said shelves 2| beingsupported byk upright support 22, at one corner, and the other corner ofthe shelves being supported by bearing member 23. Shelves 2| areprovided with an opening into which fit platforms 24 (see Fig. 46),shelves 2| and platforms 24 forming the floor upon which the cans rest.Bearing member 23 has bearings 25, in which two bearings, shafts 26operate. Platforms 24 are secured to shafts 26 whereby the platforms maybe tilted out of alignment with shelves 2|, carrying therewith the cansloaded thereon. On the end of shafts 26 are levers 21.

In the drawings above referred to, provision is made for stacking twostacks of rows of cans, and the description to follow concerning themovable platform is particularly adapted for such a machine. I do notwish to limit myself, however,.to a 2-stack machine, as floors may beprovided in a machine for any number of stacks, if desired.

28 is a link connecting levers 21. Shafts 26 may have levers on bothends, or singly, as found convenient in construction.

. It might be well to explain here why this tilting platform may bedesirable in certain cases. Where high speed is required in theoperation of a rack containing a stack of rows yof cans, as one stack ispiled it is desirable to prevent the succeeding stack from becomingentangled with the preceding one; this is prevented by raising theplatform 24 which forms a guide for the on-l loaded with cansprior tothe loading of the adja-y cent space. In Fig. 46 the platform 24 is inwhat is called open position, that is, not coincident with the shelf 2|;it is in the position that it assumes after having been loaded. S2 is ayspring for insuring contact of roller 3B with camrail 3|, said springbeing secured at the outer end to one of the levers 2l, or to link 28,the

other end being relatively iixed. .The rack assembly containing thefloors 2 upright 22, bear-v ing member 23 and other attached members,is"

Loading and ey'ectng mechanism Still confining myself to the machine forstacking two stacks of rows of cans, vparticularly shown;

ing single rows of stacks of cans, particularly as shown in Figs. 3, 4,18 and 19, wherein hydraulically operated machinery is involved forcertain movements only. In the machine for stacking two or more stacksof rows of cans, instead of valve stem 15 a similar member, 151, is usedas operating an electric switch; otherwise, these various parts asdescribed operate similarly in all classes of machines.

Referring to Figs. 49, Li1-45, 32-36, it will be noticed that I havenumbered as prime numbers elements 151, performing a similar function to15, and |841, performing a similar function to |84; these two membersoperating the rotary snap switch |31. Fig. i9 is an enlarged View of theoperating mechanism for the rotary electric switch, |31 being the rotaryswitch shaft of the ordinary type, which makes a one-half revolutionwhen slightly displaced, either opening or closing the switch. I do notwish to limit myself to any type of switch, as there are many typessuitable for this purpose. On rotary switch shaft |31 is securedratchet-wheel |38, which wheel is operated by ratchet |39 resilientlysecured by means of fulcrum ifi, guide |4| and spring |42 to member 151.E48 is a rack resiliently secured to member |841 by fulcrum |851 (see,in this connection, Figs. 19 and 49) guide |44 and spring |45.

It will be noticed that as 151 operates in the direction of the arrowsit will turn switch shaft |31 and close the circuit operating motor 95,and the ejecting mechanism by means of rod |841 will further operateswitch shaft |31 when contacting therewith through rack |43, therebyopening the circuit.

Controls I have discovered that for the purpose of aocuracy, conveniencein operation and setting, and the general working of a machine of thischaracter, it is desirable to have the various timing elementsconcentrated at a central station, and controlled as far as possible bya single member. With that end in View, a hydraulically operatedmechanism lends itself ideally to this situation. I have brought thevalves controlling the various hydraulic systems operating the varioustimed elements to a single station, and have operated them automaticallyby a single timing member properly constructed to time the variousvalves, as may be desired. In the operation on plural stacks of rows ofcans of any desired number, I am enabled to change my centralcontrolling elements at will. I will now describe my controllingelements.

In the machine for stacking single stacks of rows of cans, I have showntwo hydraulically operated devices, one for operating the case orcarton-holding arm, and the other for operating the ejector; appliancesattached to one or the other of these devices controlling the can-stopin timed relation.

In the machine for stacking plural stacks of rows of cans, I have shownthree hydraulically operated mechanisms, one, as mentioned above, foroperating the case or carton-holding arm, another for operating theejector, and a third for operating the can-stop. These varioushydraulically operated mechanisms are controlled by valves admitting anddischarging fluid to each of the same at desired intervals, in timedrelation. I have found it convenient to operate all my hydrauliccylinders under a uniform pressure, which pressure may be obtained byany wellknown means. In Fig. 22, I have shown an electrically drivenpump 84, drawing a fluid such as glycerine, or any other suitable fluid,from a reservoir 8|, and discharging into discharge pipe 82, tending tomaintain a constant pressure in discharge pipe 82 and the dischargestherefrom. 83 is the relief valve against which the pump 84 is pumping,and which relieves the pressure when in excess of that desired in pipe82, relief valve 83 discharging into reservoir 8|. It will be seen thatpump 34 may be continuously operated, and that no damage will be done,as the relief valve 83 will take care of the excessive pressure andreturn the fluid.

Pump 84 isl driven by electric motor 85, and during the operation of themachine is continuously running, thus forming a uniform fluid pressurefor the operating fluid. In the single stacking machine shown in Fig. 3,a somewhat similar, though less elaborate, pumping system is shown, butworking substantially on the same principle. 821 is the discharge pipe,831 the relief valve, 841is the pump, 851 is the electric motor, and 8|1is the reservoir.

Referring to Fig. 22, 85 is the pressure valve chamber into which thedischarge from discharge pipe 82 occurs and 81 the discharge pressurevalve chamber, said chamber being in direct connection with thereservoir through pipe 88.

Valves Pressure chamber 88 communicates with valves controlling thevarious hydraulically operated mechanisms, an enlarged view of thevalves used in this chamber being shown in Fig. 23, in which 89 is theoperating cam operating Valvestem 8l by means of roller 90, mountedthereon, against the pressure of spring 92. Valve stem 9| operates valve93; in the case shown, it is integral with the same. I would callattention at this point to Fig. 40, which shows a piston type of valvethat I have found to be equally efficient, and which I have shown as 931operated by valve stem 9|1 and spring 21.

Fig. 23 is substantially a View in section, taken through 23-23 of Fig.22, looking in the direction of the arrows. There are a number of thesevalves formed into pressure valve chamber 86 and operated by cams oncam-shaft 94, which shaft is driven by electric motor 95 timed atgreatly reduced speed. This shaft so driven, controls the operation ofthe entire machine, and the shaft is timed to suit operating conditions.Of course, electric motor 85 must be driven at sufiicient speed tosupply the pressure required by the movements of the machine asdetermined by electric motor 95. Electric motor 95 is started andstopped by breaking the circuit thereto by any ordinary means, such as ahand-controlled switch and an automatic means provided for breaking thecircuit .at the end of the cycle of operation. In Fig. 49 I have shownsuch an automatic means as applied to the electric operating mechanismfor opening the circuit, and in the same gure I have shown means forclosing the circuit by means of the safety device set forth in Figs.Lil-fil. For a better understanding of the cycle of operation, I wouldrefer to Fig. 8 as the initial position of the rack in normal stoppedposition after having been loaded with cans ready for ejecting into acarton, the carto-n being shown in position over the funnel forreceiving the cans, and at this instant the machine is stopped, so faras the loading process is concerned. To start the machine, referring toFig. 49, the circuit is closed by 'means of 'the'safety device operatingthe switch as there shown. This circuit controls motor 95, which motordrives the timing mechanism either for the hydraulic or the electriccontrol. This motor will A'continue to run until Vthe switch controllingits current is opened. This is accomplished bymeans ofthe ejectorcarriage after having ejected the load into the carton, as shown in Fig.9,` and afterY partial retrieving, as shown in Fig. '7, and 3fullyretrieving, as-shown in Fig. 8. Ordinarily, the motor is started by theoperator after the Vinsertion of a case over the funnel, the switchbeing placed conveniently for such hand opera.-

tion. The mechanism shown in Figs. 41-45 is `adapted as a safety switchfor controlling this motor andoperates a switch in place of valve stem15 (see Figs. 44 and 49).

ron, is constructed to time the movements of the used, particularly as191|* and 941. v vshown in Figs. 24-27 the design for cams to be Camshaft 94, with its assembled cams theremachine for the number of stacksof rows of cans desired.r If a different number of stacks of rows ofcans is desired to be placed in the machine, a different cam shaft withdifferent cams thereon is employed, as shown in Fig. 20, the diierentcamshafts thereon being numbered 941; or a single shaft with a pluralityof cams thereon for the different number of stacks of rows of cans,which may be shifted endwise to accommodate the cans to the respectiveValves, may be employed, as Yshown in Fig. 21. An electric switch may beillustrated in Fig. 48, which would operate similarly; that is, moveendwise to accommodate the diierent adjustments of the machine regardingthe number of stacks to be piled.

Referring again to Fig. 23, or, as suggested above, the piston type ofvalve, shown in Fig. 40, these valves have pressure admission anddischarge outlets,Y depending upon the position of Lthe valves, all ofthe valves being substantially alike; in the case of the double-actingcylinder,

Vthe independent valves are used for each end Vof the cylinder andcontrolled Vby the cams on shafts For illustrative purposes, I haveplaced on cam-shaft 94 for operating the valves onva machine for twostacks of rows of cans;

i stop; Figs. 25 and 26 showing the two cams Fig. 24 showing the cam foroperating the can- ,operating the two valves, one at each end of thedouble-acting cylinder for controlling the ejec- .f.tor, and also theretrieving motion of the ejector, carrying the rack with it at one step;Fig. 27

shows a cam controlling Vthe case-'holding arm mechanism; as shown intheseveral figures, they 'are' in timed relation with each other forperforming the functions required. This, however,

is simply a detail o f drafting, and I claim nothv'ing concerning theconstruction of these cams.

In case three stacks, or four stacks, of rows of l' cans are to be piledin the machine, the cams would be designed accordingly for the various`movements required; that is, for a 3-stack machine the forming of onestack and a movement of the rack; the forming of another stack andmovement of the rack; and the forming of an- V'other stack, and then theejecting of all three stacks from the rack, and the return of therack toinitial position.

f 'For illustrative purposes, with reference to the ,Y canis shown inFigs. 24-27., I have shown the `ejector hydraulic cylinder in ViewY 29with the several positions of the operating piston rod thereof, theposition at A being the initial position of the rack for receiving therst stack of rows of cans; the position at C being a retrieved positionof the rack after one stack of rows of cans has been inserted within thesame and it is in position to receive the second stack of rows of cans.The ejector then moves to .position B, ejecting the cans from the rackand then returns the rack back to the initial position, the ejector thenstopping at position A as a' cycle. Similarly, concerning the pistoncontrolling the can-stop, it is in initial position at E permitting cansto pass through the. chute, and is put into operative position at D tostop the cans, which position corresponds to the position of the cans inFig. 24. Likewise, the piston for the case-holding arm, shown in Fig.30, is in initial position at F, corresponding to the cam position shownin Fig. 27, and is in operative position when holding the carton in themachine at KGI.

The cam shown in Fig. 26 is attached to the power end on the retrievingstroke of the cylinder shown in Fig. 29, and it will be noticed that atone portion it controls the Yvalve into neutral or closed position asregards supply and exhaust, where the cam in Fig. 25, being at the otherYend of said cylinder, permits exhaust at all times excepting whenadmission occurs. Attention is called to the valves shown in Figs.32-36, where exhaust occurs, as heretofore described, fromv |03 and isby-passed through the casting of said valve from either end, as shown inFig. 31 by dotted lines, as may be desired.

Referring to Fig. 22, pipe 96 is connected with the control valve withinchamber 86 similar to the other valves located therein, and suppliesfluid under pressure to hydraulic cylinder 63 at the power end thereofthrough check valve 91. It will be noticed that by the introduction ofcheck-valve 91 the discharge port of this valve is inoperative, whenopen as uid cannot return through pipe 99 against check-valve 91. Toovercome this I provide by-pass pipe 98 in which is;`

control valve 99. By this means the regulation of control valve 99determines the speed with whichV iiuid may return through the dischargev port of the valve, permitting the case-holding arm nects thecarton-holding hydraulic cylinder and Y is under pressure, the arm beingin holding position, holding the carton against the funnel. This sameport |0| is connected with the double-acting hydraulic cylinderoperating the ejector, and

is on the ejecting end of the cylinder |0|, forcing the rams 45 out, orloading the cans into the carton. I have used the same numerals for thevalves and for the pipes connected with the valve ports, to avoidconfusion. The double-end cylinders, the other end Vfrom pipe |0|, thatis, pipe |02, connects with valve port |02 and the exhaust is controlledthereby; but no connection is made with this port to the cylinderoperating j the holding-arm. I might state here that the position of themachine as indicated by the setting of the valve in Fig. 34 is theinitial or starting position. When the machine is in the position causedby the position of the valve shown in Fig. 35, it is at the end of theejectment and ready to be retrieved, the carton being on the arm movingdownward, according to the adjustment of Controlling valve 99.

Referring to Fig. 34, Ill is the arm or rod travelling with the ejectorand attached to and parallel ltherewith; this may be seen also in Figs.3, 4, 35, 36 and 4l. This rod is provided with stops I and N36 anddog-latch itil, which latter latch is a bell-crank and acts as a detentagainst valve I at shoulder Iiii, holding the valve in the positionshown in the Fig. 34 until released. This valve has a spring Iii@tending to keep the same engaged with said valve stem. I iii is a detentor ball-latch for holding the valve in neutral position when placedthere; this valve operates in groove III and is engaged in said groove,as shown in Fig."`36.

Starting with the valve in the position shown in Fig. 36, which is theneutral position and the machine inoperative, by means of hand lever II2 fulcrumed to a relatively stationary member at IIS through linl-zH13, valve stem l5 is shoved in'to the position shown in Fig. 34. Thisrenders the machine operative and moving, the ejector ejecting the cansand the holding arm under pressure holding the carton, the rod I8@moving in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 34, the valve stem l5being held in operative position by dog-latch lill. When the ejectorreaches the end of its stroke, rod ldd, carrying stop it, has alsoreached the end of its stroke, and stop HB5 contacts with dog-latch lEl', releasing valve stem 'I5 which by means of spring I l 5 is forcedoutward to the outer limit of movement thereof, the position shown inFig. 35. At this point, a reverse movement of the ejector occurs and arelease of theuidinthe cylinder operating the case-holding arm is had,and rod lfi moves in the direction of the arrow until stop 85 contactswith the end of the valve stem l5, pushing it into neutral position,when all movement stops and the machine is again in position forstarting. In this latter position the valve stem is held by means ofsecuring ball detent l i8 in groove lI i.

Repeating, I would call attention to the fact that the position of thevalves shown in Figs. 32-36 is for a one-stack row of cans machine, andthe safety device shown in Figs. 43-45 is omitted, the machine beingstarted by handle IIE. The automatic device shown in Figs. 43-45 may besupplied in place of handle H2, as shown in Fig. 44.

Control mechanism The various valves controlling the flow of the uidinto the various hydraulic cylinders are controlled from a centralpoint. In this connection, I would call attention to Figs. 20, 21,37-40. Shaft 94, carrying the operating cams 89, is driven by a gear H6(see Figs. 20, 37 and 38). ill is the selective supporting shaftjournalled at each end in any convenient position to accommodate thevalves which are controlled by cams 89, one end of said shaft having anindex handle on a dial plate for Selective adjustment. This shaft hassecured thereto spider I i8, said spider carrying the shafts 94 uponwhich cams 88 are mounted. A shaft with its proper designed cams thereonis provided for operating the machine for the desired number of stacksof rows of cans,

we will say for one. If two stacks of rows of cans are desired, anothershaft, 94, is provided with another set of cams` for operating themachine for two stacks of rows of cans; that is, there is inserted meansfor operating the rack backward and forward in timed relation with theejecting mechanism, as may be desired for stacking purposes, asheretofore explained. If three rows of stacks of cans be desired,another shaft 94 is provided with correspondingly designed cams forcontrolling the machine for stacking the cans, and so on. These variousshafts 94 are mounted in spider IIS at one end, and at the other end bymember E22 secured to shaft I I 1, which member l2? acts as a bearingfor shaft 94, as many as may be required for the machine to stack thedesired number of stacks of rows of cans; as shown, four. These shaftsare driven b-y means of gear Il by a planetary gear IIS, the same beingan internal and an external gear, and is driven by any suitable means,such as gear belt l2@ driven by reduction gear I2I. This reduction gearis driven by an electric motor, such as 95, and similarly controlled.

Referring to Fig. 38, planetary gear II 9 is secured to a supportingmember I 23 which rotates around members I22 and IIS. Any means,however, which may be found desirable may be ernployed for operatingthese gears, the same being simply a question of mechanics.

From the above it will be noticed that shafts @d are continuouslyoperating when motor 95 is running, but only one is in line with thevalve stems and the cams of which are operating said valve stems at anyone interval.

Instead of the mechanism shown in Figs. 20, 37 and 38, a single shaftmay be used, as shown in Figs. 21 and 39, and the various cams securedthereto and selectively brought into position by sliding shaft 94endwise. To do this, however, as designed it is necessary to lower theshaft away from the valve stems before shifting. This is shown in Fig.39. The driving of the shaft is similar to that shown for the previouslymentioned shafts, driven by gearing from an electric motor.

Referring particularly to Fig. 48, which shows a modification of theelectrically controlled hydraulic valves, I2@- is a circular switchdrum, o1' rather a combination of switches, each circular switch, IE5,I2S, I2'I and |28, represents the circular switches respectively forcontrolling a single, double, three and four stacking of rows of cans,as may be desired, depending upon which row 'is under the brush. Theforegoing refers to one valve control, .as the drawings show valvecontrols for the ejecting mechanism, the canretrieving mechanism, thecan-stop mechanism and also the case-supporting mechanism, each of whichhas its respective selective circular switches for the number of stacksof cans desired. These various circular switches are independent of eachother and have one connection to the interior brush contacting elementI2S and operate under brushes i3d.

ISii determines the timing of the machine desired for the predeterminednumber of stacks of cans to be cased, and the switch is designedaccordingly. As shown, the solenoidal valve I3I is for the can-stop, I32 is for the solenoidal valve for the ejecting and retrievingmechanism, which valve is double-acting and is controlled by two of thecircular switches, and I 33 is a solenoidal valve controlling thecase-holding arm mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 48, it will be noticed that the The circular switchunder brush

